Satsangs

Satsang is a compound Sanskrit word that means “keeping the company of the Self.” The Self, Awareness, is the true nature of everyone and one keeps company with it by continually meditating on it in many ways. One of the most effective methods involves discussing non-dual teachings with someone who has realized his or her identity as the Self, to get clarity with reference to Self inquiry. The satsangs posted here are the questions of many people around the world who are interested in enlightenment and find that Vedanta is their preferred means of Self knowledge. Since I am a teacher of Vedanta, a time tested means of self inquiry, I am qualified to reply to these questions.~James Swartz

ShiningWorld Reader

I would really appreciate some help on what the knowledge of “ordinary” means in “whole, complete, non-dual, ordinary, actionless awareness.”

Since the satsang I sometimes notice being aware, and this extends – like sideways – that everyone else in my vision is also aware, as if we are at least “there,” not separate.

It happened at the gym yesterday, a place I habitually try to stay more separate from people than usual (sweat and noise), and so it was all the more noticeable when it happened. It was then that the word “ordinary” kind of rode in over the “awareness” – further clarifying it as “non-special.” Not in the sense that it is not special (like something not be to be valued), but rather that awareness is no different from one person to another, like it is not more special for me than it is for anyone or anything else. This led to the logic that it is the same awareness??

James: Good for you, Nick. Yes, this is knowledge verified by your own experience. There is only one awareness. Here is a satsang that will help you clarify it if there is any doubt – which there should not be. It was a direct, innocent observation, backed up by scripture and confirmed by none other than the great guru James. ☺

James: Awareness seems to be limited by the apparent instrument of experience.

Seeker: If I am actionless awareness and that awareness is everywhere and illumining all things, why is my awareness limited by what I see and experience in my immediate field?

James: It isn’t limited. It is apparently limited by the instrument of experience, the body-mind entity. Electricity is limitless in this world, but it seems to be limited by the appliance through which it flows. It seems to be heat when it passes through a heater, light when it passes through a bulb, sound when it passes through a radio. The three bodies are called upadhis, limiting adjuncts, because they make awareness seem limited. When it expresses through Mary, you see an artist, through David Beckham, a footballer, etc.

Nick: There is a sense of release, almost a giddy “vertigo,” with understanding that the efforts I make to feel something special to be special are no longer needed.

James: This is just great. To be free of the tyranny of seeking some kind of extraordinary experience is a blessing.

Nick: Is this how I am to understand “ordinary”?

James: Yes, indeed. There is only one being here. There is nothing you can compare it with to make it extraordinary. It sees through all eyes, hears through all ears, smells through every nose.

Nick: You have my great appreciation.

James: You are most welcome, Nick. Keep in touch.

Contacting Shining World

For years I have happily and diligently responded to communications on the topic of Self realization. Since the publication of my book, “How to Attain Enlightenment”— currently in its third printing —and the success of this website, the volume of emails has increased considerably. Unfortunately, owing to a busy schedule of teaching and writing, I am no longer able to answer all the emails I receive in a timely fashion. However, my wife, who is also a teacher, and several well-qualified teachers we have endorsed are available to answer emails on my behalf. I encourage you to send them your questions.
— James SwartzContact Us